The archaeologists working on excavations as part of the A428 Black Cat roundabout to Caxton Gibbet improvements are hosting an event in St Neots.  

Visitors can immerse themselves in the past, see the artefacts that have been discovered and learn about what life was like in ancient Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.  

The free event – called an “Archaeology Shop” - will take place at the Priory Centre on Easter Saturday (March 30) between 9:30am and 4pm.  

It will be hosted by the Museum of London Archaeology, which is leading the excavations across the scheme.  

The Hunts Post: One of the archaeologists holding worked flint found during excavations.One of the archaeologists holding worked flint found during excavations. (Image: ©MOLA-2)Experts are also attending from Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire, an open-air museum that aims to bring the past to life. 

They will demonstrate how people spun yarn in the past and wove their clothes. Visitors can have a go at ancient basket weaving and brooch making.  

An immersive VR experience has also been developed for the A428 project, modelled using details and artefacts uncovered during the ongoing excavations. 

The Hunts Post: Iron Age ladder found on the A428.Iron Age ladder found on the A428. (Image: ©MOLA)Cat Gibbs, Community Engagement Officer at the Museum of London Archaeology, said: “The excavations along the A428 have been providing incredible insights into the way of life and wider landscape in this part of Britain over 2,000 years ago.  

“We’re really looking forward to sharing these with the public and inspiring local people with the discoveries being made on their doorstep.” 

The Hunts Post: A CGI reconstruction of an Iron Age village from the A428.A CGI reconstruction of an Iron Age village from the A428. (Image: ©MOLA)The Hunts Post: A CGI reconstruction of an Iron Age Roundhouse from the A428.A CGI reconstruction of an Iron Age Roundhouse from the A428. (Image: ©MOLA cropped)The National Highways £1bn scheme aims to upgrade the route between the Black Cat roundabout and Caxton Gibbet with a new 10-mile dual carriageway past.  

The road is expected to open in 2027.    

The Hunts Post: Route map showing the proposed A428 scheme.Route map showing the proposed A428 scheme. (Image: ©NationalHighways-2)The Hunts Post: Late Roman coins found on the A428.Late Roman coins found on the A428. (Image: ©MOLA)The Hunts Post: Prehistoric flint arrow heads found on the A428.Prehistoric flint arrow heads found on the A428. (Image: ©MOLA)The Museum of London Archaeology has been working on the excavations since the summer of 2021.  

They’ve uncovered small farming settlements and other agricultural features mainly from the Iron Age and Roman period.  

Discoveries include some of the largest Iron Age roundhouses ever found in Britain, evidence of early beer and wine making, and even the possible remains of an ancient feast.  

The Hunts Post: Iron Age clay loom weight found on the A428.Iron Age clay loom weight found on the A428. (Image: ©MOLA)The Hunts Post: A Museum of London Archaeology expert at work on the A428 excavations.A Museum of London Archaeology expert at work on the A428 excavations. (Image: ©MOLA-2)